Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:46 AM AWST

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Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOABN407A
State Code
D6266
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently select anchors and rig ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces. These anchors are to be used in establishing belay systems and rope pitches, and must be able to accommodate different belayer and abseiler abilities in multi pitch contexts.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select suitable equipment for belay system.
  • 1.1. Select an abseiling andbelay system according to contextual issues and to minimise environmental impact.
  • 1.2. Identify and select equipment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Select anchors that meet the requirements of the abseil and abilities of the participants.
  • 1.4. Assess condition of theanchors, including performance under likely load.
  • 1.5. Choose a belay device that is suitable to the natural surface conditions and belayer's ability.
  • 1.6. Complete all necessary equipment safety checks, according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Set up belay system.
  • 2.1. Rig multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimal shock loading.
  • 2.2. Tie knots and rig ropes suitable for the type of belay system established.
  • 2.3. Establish a belay from which the belayer is able to escape and safely perform a rescue.
  • 2.4. Avoid or remove belay hazards to maintain safety of belayer.
  • 2.5. Determine the need for, and establish, back up belay systems.
3. Rig rope pitches.
  • 3.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the site according to relevant legislation.
  • 3.2. Identify ascent and descent route appropriate to context.
  • 3.3. Select and tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Abseiling and Belay system may include:
twin rope
single rope
top belay
self belay
bottom brake.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Environmental impact may include:
rock dislodgement
compacting of soil
damage to flora, fauna, and the environment
effect on other users of the site.
Equipment may include:
ropes
tape slings
rope protectors
karabiners
belay devices.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Anchors may include:
trees
threads
bolts
chains
bollards
boulders
pitons.
Participants may include:
experienced
inexperienced
adults
children
Condition of the anchors may include:
age
location
wear
decay
corrosion
environmental stress
insect damage.
Likely load may include:
group size
set up
type of abseil conducted
abseiler ability
possible forces generated during a fall.
Belay device may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connectors - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end of rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Natural surface conditions may include:
cliffs
boulders
Safety checks may include:
corrosion
abrasion
impact
aging
cracks
deformities
fissures.
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope knots
rope joining knots
tape knot.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Safety of belayer may include:
attachment to anchor or alternate safety system
positioning out of direct line of rock or equipment fall.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
independently selects appropriate equipment and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
uses discretion and judgement to determine belay system required for abseiling in multi pitch contexts
differentiates between the types of belay systems, anchors and knots and their suitability to different rigging situations
determines the need for, and establishes belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in rigging of anchors and equipment for different situations to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also include access to:
resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying equipment
suitable natural multi pitch abseiling sites with varying qualities and features that allow participant to demonstrate rigging skills
other abseiling participants, to assist in belaying and rigging
equipment such as anchors, harnesses, belay systems, descending devices, slings, ropes, karabiners and first aid equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and appropriate use of all abseiling equipment
observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up belay systems suitable to different contexts and participants
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOABN406A Apply multi pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6071 SROABN006A Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF99 SISOABS007 Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces Unit of competency